Archive for the ‘Adult Skin Care’ Category

The Latest Trends in the Anti-Aging Skin Care Industry

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 posted by admin

Skin Care for Men

Cosmeceuticals

Cosmeceuticals are a blending of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Recently much attention has been focused on this medicinal approach to treating problem areas such as eye wrinkles and bags under the eyes. Due to advances in science and technology, cosmeceuticals are revolutionizing anti-aging skin care. Clinique, a leading cosmetics maker, has introduced the new Clinique Medical line as a great example of cosmeceuticals as has Allergan, a leader in medical aesthetics. The availability of cosmeceuticals varies. The Clinique Medical line is only available from a doctor while some are available on line, Perricone MD for example.

Probiotics

Probiotics are foods that contain beneficial bacteria similar to those natural to the body. Yogurt is an example of a probiotic. Companies are adding probitics to their products believing that it exfoliates and softens the skin. Look for these products since in general the companies that are using probitoics are more likely to make products that show the best results. So far studies have shown probiotics to be beneficial. However, the best results are when they are taken internally rather than when applied externally.

Internal

Much attention is given to the proven benefits of anti-oxidants and supplements are continually being developed to improve the skin by eating healthier. Antioxidants, botanicals, green tea and nutraceuticals are being included as ingredients by cosmetic companies. These have the ability to nourish and protect skin. Acai, resveratrol, gogi berry and turmeric root extract are strong anti-oxidants that will become widely recognized.

Caffeine and Peptides

Caffeine has been shown to aid in reducing bags under the eyes and increasing circulation. Studies thus far have been inconclusive as to long-term benefits. Peptides, with their anti-inflammatory effect, are reputed to aid with skin conditions and adult acne. A study conducted at the World Congress of Dermatology in Paris showed that skin treated with a high concentration of peptides may achieve as much as a 50% reduction of eye wrinkles.

Topicals

Lavender oil, tea tree leaf and algae extract are being used in skin care products due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

The Male Consumer

Traditionally the aging of men has been viewed much differently than the aging of women.
Women want to keep their youthful appearance and are willing to go to extreme lengths to do so. Men have been viewed as appearing more distinguished as they fall prey to the effect of aging. Many of these effects have been viewed as very attractive such as salt and pepper gray hair. On the whole, women feel less attractive as they age where as generally men feel more attractive as they age.

With major advancements in anti-aging skin care and increased acceptance of application of skin care products by professional men, sales to men are on the rise. Through 2006 the primary target of marketing was women. Around that time the industry began to realize the male market and campaigns for men’s skin care products emerged.

Men generally are not avid shoppers. They prefer internet purchasing over going to the mall. Statistics show that men are now responsible for 47% of major wrinkle cream company internet sales. Perhaps men prefer the anonymity of the web that allows them the confidence to buy these products or it may be an example of male purchase patterns.

What do men look for when they buy anti-aging skin care products? As with women, they are looking for something that gives them the result they desire.

Market studies show that men will use anti-aging cream 83% longer than women as long as they feel it improves their appearance. It has also been shown that men purchase the products with the most awards or the products that are most popular on the web. Men rely heavily on review sites to make their selections. Once men find the product they feel is best for them, they are very unlikely to shop further and are loyal to that product.

Constantly Evolving

The Anti-Aging Skin Care Industry is continually evolving. New ingredients are constantly being researched and added to products in the never ending pursuit of the perfect product. What is new or a first for today will be old and replaced tomorrow in this industry.